The very first of the Subaru Impreza series was introduced into the automobile markets in November 1993. This Subaru model was originally meant to be named ‘Loyale’.
In Japan and in the European markets, the Subaru Impreza was regularly produced in several special editions.
The North American markets, however, never got to receive the turbocharged Impreza versions during the model’s first generation lifespan.
In 2001, the Subaru ceased the production of the first series Impreza.

Early Subaru Impreza cars had four engine options: 1.6-, 1.8- (110 hp) and 2.0-liter naturally aspirated units, alongside a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter engine with 208 hp. The turbocharged version could reach 137 mi/h (220 km/h) and go from 0–60 mi/h (0–97 km/h) in 5.8 seconds.
The brand’s homecountry (Japan) market received a 2.0-liter Impreza WRX trim that was turbocharged and had horsepower rates between 241 and 282, depending on the variants and years. The most powerful of these Impreza WRX versions achieved its top speed at 155 mi/h (249 km/h) and could go from 0–60 mi/h in 4.5 seconds.
In 1995, Subaru introduced an optional 2.2-liter engine with 145 hp in the car’s engine range. One year later, no more 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines were available for the European Imprezas, as those were replaced by the 2.0-liter version. In 1998, the performance Impreza 2.5RS was introduced with a naturally aspirated 165 hp 2.5-liter engine.
The Subaru Imprezas were given both front- and four-wheel drive systems, depending on the car’s trim levels. From 1997 onwards, all Imprezas were offered with standard four-wheel drive.
The diverse Subaru Impreza variants were built with 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions.

The first Subaru Impreza cars were 4-door sedans and 5-door station wagons; then a 2-door coupe was also added to the car’s body shape options in late 1995.
The Impreza 2.5RS version cars were given distinguishing features like the hood scoop, the hood vents and a rally-type rear spoiler

“Subaru” is the Japanese name of the star cluster known as Pleiades in English. It also means something like “unite”, “join together” or even “to govern”. Thus, Subaru was the first Japanese car brand to actually be named after a Japanese word.

In 1954, the company introduced its first automobile, the Subaru 1500. In time, Subaru became par... more